The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant First Class [then Staff Sergeant] Robert D. Courtney, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Headquarters, Tallahassee Subsector Command, Florida Sector, IV United States Army Corps, on 2 August 1964 at Panama City Beach, Florida. When Sergeant Courtney heard screams in the vicinity of a fishing pier, he raced to the scene and saw a little girl being dragged out to sea by strong undertow and then disappear beneath the surface of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With complete disregard for his own safety and with full knowledge of the danger of the undertow, he dashed into the heavy surf and fought his way to the area where the girl disappeared. Upon locating the unconscious child, he towed her to the beach and, after applying artificial respiration for a prolonged period, succeeded in restoring her breathing. Sergeant Courtney’s heroic conduct, prompt action, and courageous efforts to save a human life are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself in the military service.